How hard is it to become a tattoo artist? (2024)

FAQs

How hard is it to become a tattoo artist? ›

“It requires a lot of hard work and consistency to build a unique style, your own voice, and mostly to make high-quality tattoos that don't just look good at the moment of creation but also heal well with time,” says Martinez. Once you build a robust roster of clients, you can get paid well, but the work never stops.

Becoming a tattoo artist is relatively difficult, and it requires a combination of artistic skill, technical proficiency, and business acumen. It is not enough to simply be a good artist; you must also be able to translate your designs onto the human body, which can be a challenging and complex process.

Licensed tattoo artists trained students on all aspects of their trade from sanitation and safety to Artistry design and handling different skin textures. Apprenticeships can last one to three years and are mostly full time commitments.

Aspiring tattoo artists often wonder if they can pursue a career in tattooing without strong drawing skills. The answer is a resounding yes! While drawing skills can be advantageous, they are not the only factor that determines success in the tattoo industry.

If you're new to tattooing and wondering how to learn to tattoo yourself, it only takes a few minutes of research to realize that the process is more complicated than it seems. However, making sure you know how to keep yourself safe and learning the correct technique is much easier if you have a guide.

Mastering Line Work

Line work is the first thing you learn as a tattoo artist, but it can be one of the most difficult skills to master.

Fortunately, that creates a significant demand that still isn't filled! Also, you get to help people improve their appearance, feel more confident, and give them something they will have for the rest of their lives. Because of this, a good tattoo artist will generally experience high levels of job satisfaction.

Working hours

A tattoo artist's hours are variable, depending on whether they are employed or self-employed and work full-time or part-time. Most will work 30–40 hours a week, Monday–Friday, 9–5.

$42,900 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $79,000 is the 75th percentile.

WONDERFUL, YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO BECOME A TATTOO ARTIST.

Maybe you found a job that allowed you to use your creative talent. Perhaps you could use your drawing skills and extensive knowledge and training in the arts. Or maybe you just found a job that just gave you stability?

Can I be a tattoo artist if I have shaky hands? ›

If your hands shake when you're doing something as simple as writing your name, then tattooing is probably not for you.

FreeHand tattooing is a technique that has become increasingly common in the tattoo world. Freedom and flexibility are two of its main pillars. It's a technique that adapts to almost any style and can be included in remarkable ways.

Drawing on paper or using a marker on skin can only get you so far. To learn to tattoo properly you'll need to practice using your machine on fake skin so you can get used to the vibration of the machine, understand needle depth, and learn the basics of tattooing: lining, packing, and shading.

Shoulders and Arms. An ideal location for a first-time tattoo, work on arms is usually the easiest because of accessibility, according to Tufariello. While the pain level is on the lower end, areas of the arms tend to fade more due to creasing and the density of the skin.

In theory, anyone can become a tattoo artist if they are willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication required to develop the necessary skills and techniques. However, becoming a successful tattoo artist takes more than just having a desire to create tattoos.

Work Ethic: A successful tattoo artist is someone who is willing to put in the time and effort to hone their craft. This means practicing regularly, keeping up with industry trends, and always striving to improve your skills. Business Savvy: Tattooing isn't just about making art—it's also about running a business.

In the U.S The market size of the Tattoo Artists industry in the US has grown 8.1% per year on average between 2018 and 2023.